Your Congress loves you, and it will do anything to make you happy.

That’s why they’ve introduced H.R. 4077, The First Bag Flies Free Act. The bill would require airlines to transport your first piece of luggage for free.

We all know that airlines have been struggling to make money lately, and one model they’ve stumbled upon is to charge extra dollars for lots of little things—like, in some cases, transporting your luggage.

A lot of people don’t like that. Hence, this bill. But is it really Congress’ job to do what you’re supposed to be doing? Hey—if you don’t like paying to ship your luggage, why not call the airlines rather than (literally) making a federal case out of it. Toughen up, kiddo!

Or, sit back and let Congress take care of everything. They do love you, and they so so want you to be happy.

Here’s the current vote on “First Bag Flies Free.” Click to vote, comment, learn more, or edit the wiki article about the bill.

It’s a big day for boating in the House of Representatives.

The House passed H.R. 3618, the Clean Hull Act of 2009, earlier today. It would provide for implementation of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001.

That convention prohibits the use of harmful organotins in anti-fouling paints on ships. I have no idea what an “organotin” is—but they sound awful! I’m against them!

And H.R. 3360, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009, also passed the House today. It would establish requirements to ensure the security and safety of passengers and crew on cruise vessels. Well, thank goodness! It’s now safe to go cruising!

All in all, a big day for taking to the high seas.

Here are the current votes on H.R. 3618, the Clean Hull Act of 2009 and H.R. 3360, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009. Click to vote, comment, learn more, or edit the wiki articles about the bills.

Here are some more of the bills the House will debate this week.

S. 1825 – A bill to extend the authority for relocation expenses test programs for Federal employees

H.R. 1506 – To provide that claims of the United States to certain documents relating to Franklin Delano Roosevelt shall be treated as waived and relinquished in certain circumstances

H.R. 1242 – To amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to provide for additional monitoring and accountability of the Troubled Assets Relief Program

H.R. 3618 – Clean Hull Act of 2009

H.R. 3360 – Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009

S. 1599 – A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to include in the Federal charter of the Reserve Officers Association leadership positions newly added in its constitution and bylaws

H.R. 1839 – To amend the Small Business Act to improve SCORE

H.R. 3014 – Small Business Health Information Technology Financing Act

H.R. 1834 – Native American Business Development Enhancement Act of 2009

H.R. 1842 – Expanding Entrepreneurship Act of 2009

H.R. 3738 – Small Business Early-Stage Investment Act of 2009

H.R. 2781 – To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Molalla River in Oregon, as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

This is the WashingtonWatch.com email newsletter for the week of November 16, 2009. Subscribe here.

email newsletter | tell a friend | wiki | about | home | log in From the Blog: The Latest on Annual Spending Congress is still in the midst of spending decisions for the 2010 fiscal year, which began October 1st. This week, in addition to the bills listed below, there are likely to be debates on the Commerce/Justice/State spending bill and the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs spending bill. Read the latest on annual spending in a blog post entitled: “The Latest on Annual Spending“ (forward to a friend) Featured Items This week, Congress returns from a Veterans Day week recess. The House will debate H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009. Under current law, Medicare’s payment rates for physicians’ services will be cut by about 21 percent in January 2010, and by about 2 percent annually for several subsequent years. The bill would cancel those cuts and increase payments by 1.2 percent. Passage of H.R. 3961 would cost the average U.S. family about $2,800. The House will also debate H.R. 3791, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009. The bill would reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (”SAFER”) program until 2014. Passage of H.R. 3791 would cost about $52 per U.S. family. H.R. 3961 The Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009 Costs $2,813.79 per family H.R. 3791 The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009 Costs $52.47 per family What People Think The Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009 53% For, 47% Against Vote on this Bill The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009 56% For, 44% Against Vote on this Bill Displayed below are new, updated, and passed items with their cost or savings per family. New Items H.R. 118 To authorize the addition of 100 acres to Morristown National Historical Park Costs $0.09 per family S. 1670 The Satellite Television Modernization Act of 2009 Costs $10.41 per family H.R. 3820 The Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2009 Costs $6.69 per family H.R. 2843 The Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act of 2009 Costs $0.00 per family H.R. 3542 The State Admission Day Recognition Act of 2009 Costs $0.00 per family H.R. 2213 To reauthorize the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act Costs $0.32 per family S. 1755 The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009 Costs $0.00 per family S. 1825 A bill to extend the authority for relocation expenses test programs for Federal employees, and for other purposes Costs $0.00 per family S. 1860 A bill to permit each current member of the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance to serve for 3 terms Costs $0.00 per family H.R. 86 To eliminate an unused lighthouse reservation, provide management consistency by bringing the rocks and small islands along the coast of Orange County, California, and meet the original Congressional intent of preserving Orange County’s rocks and small islands, and for other purposes Costs $0.00 per family H.R. 2781 To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Molalla River in Oregon, as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes Costs $0.00 per family H.R. 2994 The Satellite Home Viewer Reauthorization Act Costs $0.10 per family Updated Items H.R. 3224 To authorize the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct a vehicle maintenance building at the vehicle maintenance branch of the Smithsonian Institution located in Suitland, Maryland, and for other purposes Costs $0.04 per family H.R. 3795 The Over-the-Counter Derivatives Markets Act of 2009 Costs $7.81 per family Passed Items P.L. 111-91 The Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 P.L. 111-92 The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009 Costs $24.39 per family P.L. 111-93 The Credit CARD Technical Corrections Act of 2009 P.L. 111-94 Proclaiming Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of the United States posthumously P.L. 111-95 A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America, and for other purposes P.L. 111-96 A bill to allow the funding for the interoperable emergency communications grant program established under the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to remain available until expended through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes P.L. 111-97 The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act Costs $0.00 per family P.L. 111-98 A bill to authorize a major medical facility project at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Walla, Walla, Washington, and for other purposes email newsletter | tell a friend | wiki | about | home | privacy | contact | log in WashingtonWatch.com P.O. Box 77576 Washington, D.C. 20013

Congress didn’t finish the annual spending process by the beginning of the new fiscal year October 1st. It has passed some of the bills that run the government, but most of the government has been running on temporary spending measures, called “continuing resolutions.”

Here’s a run-down of the action so far:

On October 1st, the Legislative Branch appropriations act became law. It spent money to run Congress for the year, and contained a continuing resolution through the end of October. Cost per family of that bill: about $1,785.

On October 16, the Agriculture appropriations bill became law, funding—you guessed it—the Department of Agriculture from then through the end of the fiscal year. Cost: $1,178.

Twelve days later, on October 28, the Energy and Water bill and the Homeland Security bill became law. Cost: $319 and $414 respectively.

And at the end of October, with the first continuing resolution expiring, Congress passed and the president signed the Interior appropriations bill, which contained a second continuing resolution.

With spending for the year on the Department of the Interior and all the other agencies of government through December 18, that bill came to $2,560 per U.S. family.

The bills that remain (and the spending in them from mid-December through the fiscal year) are:

• Commerce/Justice/State appropriations: $569
• Defense appropriations: $5,147
• Financial Services approps: $319
  (Senate version: $371)
• Labor/HHS/Education approps: $6,162
• Military Construction and Veterans Affairs approps: $1,021
  (Senate version: $1,033)
• State/Foreign Operations approps: $379
  (Senate version: )
• Transportation/HUD: $1,071

So there you have it! The very latest on the annual spending process.

Sure would have been nice for Congress to finish it on time. But it never seems to do that.

This is the WashingtonWatch.com Digest for the week of November 9, 2009. Subscribe here.

email newsletter | tell a friend | wiki | about | home | log in From the Blog: New Cost Estimate for the Health Care Bill The House of Representatives passed health care legislation in a rare Saturday session this past weekend. A new cost estimate for the bill came out, too. It placed the cost of the bill at $15,000 per U.S. family. Read about it in a blog post entitled: “New Cost Estimate for the Health Care Bill“ Featured Items Late last week, the House passed H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. The bill would make substantial changes to the way health insurance and health care are paid for and provided in the United States. Passage of H.R. 3962 would cost the average U.S. family over $15,000, according to a new cost estimate. The bill now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain. Last week, the House and Senate both passed identical versions of H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. This cleared it for the president’s signature. The bill would grant 14 weeks of additional unemployment benefits in all states and 20 weeks in states where the unemployment rate is above 8.5%. Passage of H.R. 3548 would cost the average U.S. family a little over $24. There have been over 55,000 comments on the bill on the WashingtonWatch.com page for the bill. H.R. 3962 The Affordable Health Care for America Act Costs $15,256.35 per family H.R. 3548 The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009 Costs $24.40 per family What People Think The Affordable Health Care for America Act 14% For, 86% Against Vote on this Bill The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009 81% For, 19% Against Vote on this Bill Displayed below are new, updated, and passed items with their cost or savings per family. New Items H.R. 3962 The Affordable Health Care for America Act Costs $15,256.35 per family P.L. 111-67 The Defense Production Act Reauthorization of 2009 Costs $6.90 per family H.R. 3961 The Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009 Costs $2,830.95 per family H.R. 3795 The Over-the-Counter Derivatives Markets Act of 2009 Costs $7.84 per family H.R. 1506 To provide that claims of the United States to certain documents relating to Franklin Delano Roosevelt shall be treated as waived and relinquished in certain circumstances Costs $0.00 per family S. 1178 The Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2009 Costs $0.48 per family H.R. 3791 The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009 Costs $52.64 per family H.R. 42 The Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act Costs $0.00 per family H.R. 1849 The World War I Memorial and Centennial Act of 2009 Costs $0.02 per family H.R. 2190 The Mercury Pollution Reduction Act Costs $0.00 per family H.R. 3237 To enact certain laws relating to National and Commercial Space Programs as title 51, United States Code, “National and Commercial Space Programs” Costs $0.00 per family S. 1735 The Lumbee Recognition Act Costs $7.21 per family H.R. 3949 The Veterans’ Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009 Costs $0.72 per family Updated Items H.R. 3962 The Affordable Health Care for America Act Costs $15,256.35 per family Passed Items P.L. 111-88 The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Costs $323.00 per family P.L. 111-89 A bill to provide for additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes P.L. 111-90 The Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Amendments Act of 2009 email newsletter | tell a friend | wiki | about | home | privacy | contact | log in WashingtonWatch.com P.O. Box 77576 Washington, D.C. 20013

A new cost estimate for the health care bill that the House passed Saturday puts it at about $15,000 per U.S. family. That’s a lot of scratch! An earlier estimate came in at only half that much.

But it’s important not to over-read the estimate. Instead, familiarize yourself with our methodology for scoring bills. We count taxes and revenues as costs to taxpayers, and we treat spending as costs because they move money from the treasury that we all own.

In this bill, the government health insurance “public option” is a big part of what drives the numbers. This is because it has both a revenue component and a spending component.

Some would argue that our methodology double counts the public option. And it is important to understand that it’s pretty much deficit neutral, meaning that it doesn’t increase the national debt because it takes in the amount of money that it spends. We are always looking for ways to present cost information in the most sensible, complete, and scalable way.

We won’t take on the question here of whether the “public option” would ultimately swallow the entire health insurance market. The dollar figure we’re reporting is simply based on the Congressional Budget Office estimate. If you want to read that estimate yourself, of course, you can go to the page for H.R. 3962, scroll down to the “Learn More” box and click on “Read an Analysis of the Bill.”

In the meantime, here’s the current vote on H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Click to vote, comment, learn more, or edit the wiki article about the bill.

The House of Representatives is having a special Saturday debate on its version of health care legislation, H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

It’s on C-SPAN right now and—guess what!—Republicans and Democrats aren’t getting along. In fact, they’re all kind of behaving like children.

The New York Times has a good post on its “Prescriptions” blog describing the procedures that the House will be following during its debate today. Watching this debate is a civics lesson like you never got in school.

It looks like the debate will continue all day, so pull up a couch, pop some popcorn, and feel free to comment on the page for the bill.

Two bills introduced yesterday in Congress would require pilots to avoid distractions when they’re flying planes.

Sounds like a good idea! And it sounds like Congress is surfing the headlines!

It’s what we call “wakerider” legislation, when Congress jumps in on the latest news, offering a “fix”—often too late.

Of course, it was just last week that some Northwest pilots overshot their destination by 150 miles because they were on their laptops, distracted.

Congress to the rescue!

S. 2732 would require the Federal Aviation Administration to prohibit the use of portable electronic devices in the cockpit of commercial aircraft during flight and to conduct a study of the safety impact of distracted pilots. S. 2745 would prohibit the use of personal wireless communications devices and laptop computers by the flight crew of commercial aircraft on the flight deck during flight.

We’re all opposed to airline pilots being distracted. And the incident in question has pretty much made clear that camping on your laptop while you’re flying a commercial airliner is a no-no.

Did anyone think it was OK before? And does anyone actually think that having a new law about it—after the fact—is going to make a difference in pilots’ behavior? When some pilots screw up again, will Congress pass a law barring pilots from screwing up?

The point here, of course, is that Congress is trying to assert its relevance to everything that happens in the country. Should these bills pass, every time a plane doesn’t crash, we’ll have our federal legislators to thank!

Last night, the Senate passed H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. The House is expected to pass the Senate version quickly—perhaps today—and President Obama is likely to sign it.

The bill authorizes up to 14 additional weeks of benefits for unemployed workers nationwide, provided they have already exhausted their earlier authorized benefits or will do so by the end of the year, plus an additional 6 weeks of benefits in states with unemployment higher than 8.5%. A cost estimate for the bill puts it at about $24 per U.S. family.

An article in the Detroit Free Press points out a wrinkle in that extra 6-week benefit for hard-hit states:

However, under the legislation as written, it is unclear how many people in those high unemployment states could ever collect that additional 6 weeks of benefits. To get them, a person in one of the affected states would have to exhaust the newly authorized benefits of up to 14 weeks first, and do so by the end of the year. But there are only eight weeks left in 2009.

I suspect we might be hearing about that more here on WashingtonWatch.com.

But the point of this post is to share a very kind note I received yesterday from a visitor, regarding the 50,000+ comments we received on the bill:

I wanted to take a moment and thank you for the great job hosting the forum on the Unemployment Extension in the Senate.

I have a vested interest in the success of this bill and during the initial stages searched for relevant content relating to the progress and grass roots efforts of regular citizens. I could find no other source that provided up to the minute information from so many different sources. Kudos to you and your team!

I also noticed the presence of many negative posts from the “trolls” and was very surprised by your restraint in regards to their comments. I commend you for allowing different points of view through discussion even if some of the comments were truly mean spirited.

My point is that we must allow for the free disemination of information, both good and bad. I’m personally relieved after such a drawn out process but I truly believe without your constant support of this forum the pressure would have been unbearable in the absence of new information.

Kudos to washingtonwatch.com and their entire company. Keep up the good work, there are many more important decisions in the near future and with your help facts will overcome unknown fears.

It’s very gratifying to get a little “thank you” for the work of hosting the site and moderating the often very rough conversation on this bill. I was barraged with people asking me to ban other visitors for making what were often truly inappropriate comments, but I think a strong commitment to free exchange of information can produce the best results.

Our so-called “trolls” have things they want to say. They lack social skills, and they’re obviously very frustrated. It’s up to this site to give them a productive outlet for engagement. I’ve got some ideas for doing that, and we’ll give those a try—as well as more comment controls—in the coming months and years. Your wishes of “good luck” are welcome.

And good luck to all the folks who are battling unemployment out there. For all the negativity I have dealt with as manager of the site, the goodness of the people trying to learn information, work together, and better themselves shines through.

I hope nobody ever needs another extension of unemployment compensation—because I hope everyone gets jobs! But I also hope many of you will continue to stay engaged with Congress through this site.

It takes active citizenship to run a good government and society. I hope the folks who have gotten engaged with government through this process will continue to pay attention—to all the issues the federal government deals with.

We’ll be here to work with you.